A sensitive site near Iran’s Khondab heavy-water research reactor, formerly known as Arak, was struck by Israeli forces on Thursday, according to a report by the Iranian Student News Agency (ISNA).
The facility, a significant component of Iran’s nuclear program and still under construction, was evacuated before the strike. Iranian officials confirmed no radiation risk from the attack. Iran has informed the UN nuclear watchdog that it intends to begin operations at the site next year, reports dw.com
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) also issued evacuation warnings to residents in Arak and Khondab, stating intentions to target military infrastructure linked to Iran’s nuclear development. Heavy water, used at the reactor, can be employed in plutonium production—a key concern in nuclear weapon development.
Meanwhile, Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed a direct hit on Soroka Hospital in Beersheba following a wave of Iranian missile attacks Thursday morning. The hospital reported damage and injuries and urged the public to stay away as assessments continued.
The conflict continues to take a heavy human toll. The Washington-based Human Rights Activists group reported at least 639 fatalities and 1,329 injuries in Iran due to Israeli airstrikes. The dead include 263 civilians and 154 security personnel. Iran’s last official count earlier this week cited 224 killed and 1,277 wounded.
On the Israeli side, 24 people have been killed by Iranian strikes, according to government sources.
Iran has warned that any direct U.S. military involvement will be met with force. Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi told CNN, “If the Americans get involved… our hands will not be tied. We will do whatever is necessary to protect our people and interests.”
While the U.S. maintains it is not actively participating in the Israel-Iran conflict, President Donald Trump has suggested that military intervention is on the table. Bloomberg News reported Thursday that White House officials are preparing contingency plans for possible U.S. strikes.
The IDF confirmed it has launched multiple strikes across Tehran and other parts of Iran, though it did not immediately disclose specific targets. Earlier, Iranian media reported air defenses had been activated in central Tehran after the interception of a suspicious aerial object.
As the regional conflict intensifies, both Iran and Israel have issued warnings, raised readiness levels, and struck symbolic and strategic targets, heightening fears of a broader war that could draw in other nations.
